Narmada River

Why in news?

• Severe rains in Gujarat caused the Narmada River to flood, displacing thousands. Some blame the Sardar Sarovar Dam operators for their delayed actions.

About Narmada River:

• Narmada is the largest west flowing river of the peninsular region flowing through a rift valley between the Vindhya Range on the north and the Satpura Range on the south.
• It rises from Maikala range near Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh.
• It drains a large area in Madhya Pradesh besides some areas in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
• The river near Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) forms the DhuanDhar Falls.
• There are several islands in the estuary of the Narmada of which Aliabet is the largest.
• Major Tributaries:
  • Hiran, Orsang, the Barna and the Kolar.
• The major Hydro Power Projects in the basin are Indira Sagar, Sardar Sarovar etc.

Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA):

• It is an Indian social movement spearheaded by native tribes (adivasis), farmers, environmentalists and human rights activists against a number of large dam projects across the Narmada River.
• Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat is one of the biggest dams on the river and was one of the first focal points of the movement.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding?

1. Par river flows through two Indian state

2. Tapi river originates from Satpura Range

3. Narmada river flows in a rift valley

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Answer